There Will Never Be Another Like Him; Akufo-Addo’s Tribute To Pele
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid tribute to Brazilian football legend, Pele born Edison Arantes do Nascimento.
He died at 82 on Thursday at a hospital in Brazil after battling cancer.
Pele’s name goes down in history books as the only player so far to win three World Cups- in 1958, 1962 and 1970- with Brazil.
In his lifetime and during his career he scored 77 goals in 92 games.
He was admitted to a hospital in November while the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament was in progress.
Brazil players paid tribute to him by holding up a banner with his name and picture in their last-16 win over South Korea.
A few days ago, doctors in the Sao Paulo hospital where Pele was seeking treatment announced his cancer had advanced.
His death was announced on his Twitter page by his daughter.
“Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today”, the post issued yesterday read.
A inspiração e o amor marcaram a jornada de Rei Pelé, que faleceu no dia de hoje.
Amor, amor e amor, para sempre.
.
Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.Love, love and love, forever. pic.twitter.com/CP9syIdL3i
— Pelé (@Pele) December 29, 2022
Tributes have been pouring in from across the world following his death.
In a post, the President of Ghana said the world of sports has become poorer with the demise of Pele
“Those of us who had the privilege to witness his incomparable career will cherish forever the memories of skills, talent, determination, and sheer athleticism which we derived from his playing of the game he himself described as “the beautiful game”.
“He used his towering status to be an advocate for the poor, for children, for young people, for black people, and to be an inspiration to several generations of footballers. The Ghanaian people, who admired him deeply, join me in expressing our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his family, the world, the Brazilian people, the Brazilian government, and football and sports lovers the world over.”
He added, “there will never be another like him”.
Pele died at age 82.
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentine forward Leo Messi, France footballer Kylian Mbappe and several others have paid tribute to the football star.
In his post, Ronaldo said a mere goodbye isn’t enough to express the pain of the football world.
“My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing. An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pelé ”
Mbappe posted, “ THE KING OF FOOTBALL HAS LEFT US BUT HIS LEGACY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN” and Messi posted, “REST IN PEACE PELE”.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
